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Division Of Traffic Safety Issues
By WILLIAM T. SUNLEY, Engineer of Local Roads and Streets
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OPERATION BUCKLE DOWN
The Division of Traffic Safety implemented the
Operation Buckle Down Program in 1991. Two former
law enforcement officers make person-to-person contact with local law enforcement agencies to encourage
active involvement with the occupant protection program. Presently, there are over 469 police departments
and sheriff's offices actively participating in this effort
in the State of Illinois.
The Operation Buckle Down Program has one major goal: to reach a safety belt compliance level of 75%
by the end of 1995. Presently, the Illinois compliance
level is approximately 68%.
To accomplish this goal, the program encourages an
aggressive three-pronged attack, which includes:
1. Increase safety belt use within law enforcement agencies.
2. Increase enforcement of occupant protection laws.
3. Inform the public that occupant protection laws are being enforced, and explain why.
Should you have any questions about the Operation
Buckle Down Program, please contact Pete Sanders or
Noel Oliver at (217) 524-1637.
ILLINOIS CELEBRATES TEN YEARS
July 1, 1995 marks the 10-year anniversary of the
safety belt law in Illinois. To commemorate this milestone, numerous activities are being planned to revisit
the safety belt issue and look toward the future with the
goal of rising beyond the current 68 percent usage levels. Highlights of the plans for the 10-year anniversary
include:
• re-instituting the Saved by the Belt (Air Bag and/or Child Safety Seat) Club;
• introducing a Traffic Crash Victim's Memorial Wall which will allow family members and friends to voluntarily submit names and photos of those lost in traffic crashes to a place of honor;
• sponsoring a statewide one-day "Buckle Up for Life" campaign just prior to the July 4th weekend.
For more information, please contact Susan Hocker,
the Division's Occupant Protection Coordinator at
(217) 785-5544.
ILLINOIS ENACTS ZERO TOLERANCE
On January 1, 1995, underage motorists who have
any measurable amount of alcohol to drink will have
their driving privileges taken away. The new law has
been termed "zero tolerance." Zero tolerance holds that
Illinois youths, under age 21, may have no trace of
alcohol in their system when driving a motor vehicle. If
youths are found in violation of this law, administrative
penalties are imposed. Penalties include a license suspension for three months for the first of tense. Refusal to
take a breathalizer test incurs a six month suspension.
Subsequent offenses carry a one-year suspension. Governor Edgar signed this bill at the Illinois State Fair,
August 13,1994.
When a young driver is stopped by a law enforcement officer and determined to have a blood alcohol
content greater than 0.00 and less than 0.10, a suspension of the person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle
will be imposed. If the officer suspects a driving under
the influence violation (BAC of .10 or greater), then that
procedure is followed.
Zero tolerance supports the "no use" message. It is
illegal for those under 21 to drink and those who violate
the law and choose to drive will be held accountable.
To help increase awareness, the Illinois Department of
Transportation has developed "Kiss it Goodbye" posters and mini-posters/payroll stuffers. Should you have
any questions, please contact Susan Baltusevich, the
Division's Alcohol Program Coordinator at (217) 785-5554.
Credits to: Pete Sanders, Noel Oliver, Susan Hocker & Susan
Baltusevich, Division of Traffic Safety.
March 1995 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 19
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